A modern kitchen often dictates its own ergonomic conditions, and the standard factory configuration of household appliances may not fit into the intended interior or simply interfere with comfortable movement. Owners of units Ariston often face the need to change the direction of opening of the door leaves in order to optimize space or place equipment in a niche. This process is not technically complicated, but it requires care, a basic set of tools and an understanding of the hinge mechanisms of your device.
Before starting any manipulations, it is critical to turn off the power to the equipment, since you will have to work with metal elements in close proximity to electrical components and cooling circuits. Re-hanging doors on Ariston models, it means dismantling all the fittings on one side of the case and installing them on the opposite side, which requires careful handling of fasteners. You should not ignore this stage of preparation, since safety when working with electrical appliances always comes first.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models, paying attention to the nuances of removing handles, rearranging stops and final adjustment of gaps. You will learn what tools you will need, how not to lose small parts, and what to pay special attention to so that the door closes tightly after assembly. Following the instructions will allow you to do the job efficiently and avoid common mistakes that can lead to skew of the blade or damage to the seal.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
The success of the operation to change the opening side directly depends on proper preparation. You do not need complex professional tools, but using unsuitable items may damage the decorative panels or break the threads in the mounting holes. The basis of the set will be screwdrivers of different types, since in refrigerators Ariston there can be both Phillips and slotted screws, as well as hex bolts.
Be sure to prepare a container for folding fasteners, for example, a magnetic tray or a small box with cells. Bolts, nuts and plugs tend to get lost at the most inopportune moment, and searching for a specific screw can delay the process indefinitely. You should also have a knife or thin spatula on hand to carefully remove decorative plugs that often cover the hinge attachment points.
- 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (Phillips, flat) and hex keys.
- 📦 Magnetic tray or container for sorting screws.
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal edges.
- 🧹 Clean rags for wiping the surface of the case from dust.
Free up space around the refrigerator to have free access from all sides. If the unit is built-in, it will have to be partially removed from the niche, providing a gap for work of at least 50-70 cm. Make sure that the floor is level and clean, as you may have to tilt the body of the equipment for ease of access to the lower fasteners.
☑️ Preparation for work
Removing the top hinge and removing the door leaf
You should always start work from the top of the structure, since it is the top hinge that holds the main weight of the door. The first step is to remove the decorative plug located above the top hinge. In some models Ariston it may be glued, so you need to pry it off carefully using a flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spatula so as not to leave scratches on the glossy surface.
After gaining access to the fasteners, you will see bolts securing the hinge to the body. Their number can vary from two to three depending on the model and weight of the door. Important: before completely unscrewing the bolts of the upper hinge, you must fix the door in the open position or ask an assistant to hold it so that it does not fall on your feet or damage the lower canopy.
⚠️ Attention: The refrigerator door panel is heavier than it appears and has an offset center of gravity. Do not release it until you are sure that it is securely fixed or removed from the lower pin.
After unscrewing the bolts, carefully remove the upper hinge. If there are additional elements installed on it, such as cord holders or limiters, remember their location. Now you can carefully lift the door and remove it from the lower pin. Place the removed canvas on a soft surface, previously covered with a blanket or cardboard, to avoid scratches.
What to do if the bolts are rusty?
If the fasteners do not give in, do not use excessive force to avoid tearing off the cap. Treat the joint with a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40) and leave for 10-15 minutes. After the oxides have softened, the bolts should be easier to unscrew.
Rearranging the handle and opening limiters
The next stage is preparing the door itself for installation on the new side. In most refrigerator models Ariston the handle is attached to screws on the inside of the door leaf. You need to open the door (if it is not already removed) or turn over the removed panel to gain access to the mounting holes.
Unscrew the screws holding the handle and remove it. In the free space you will see technological holes that will now become visible. They must be closed with special plugs, which were originally located on the opposite, “non-working” side of the door. These plugs are usually simply inserted into the holes and held in place by friction or small clips.
Then install the handle in its new location using the same screws. Make sure they are tightened tightly, but not too tightly, so as not to damage the plastic. At the same time, check the presence of the opening limiter (stop). This is a small plastic or metal pin that prevents the door from swinging open more than 90-110 degrees. It also needs to be moved into the corresponding hole on the new side.
Modification of the lower support and pin
The lower part of the door system also requires intervention. Depending on the design of your Ariston, the bottom support may be either an adjustable leg or a stationary pin inserted into the housing. If it is a pin, it needs to be unscrewed from the old hole and screwed into a symmetrical hole on the other side.
For models with an adjustable support, the process may be more complicated. Sometimes it is necessary to rearrange the support mechanism itself, and in some cases, to turn over the plastic sleeve on which the door rests. Carefully inspect the bottom of the door: there may be a counter hole for the pin. If it is closed with a plug, rearrange it.
Pay special attention to the condition of the thread. If you notice broken turns or severe corrosion on the pin, it is better to replace this element with a new one by ordering an original spare part. Using a damaged pin will cause the door to stand unevenly and the seal will be broken.
| Structural element | Action when rearranging | Position after shift |
|---|---|---|
| Top hinge | Remove and rearrange | Opposite upper corner |
| Bottom pin | Unscrew and screw in again | Opposite lower corner |
| Door handle | Move to new side | Symmetrically about the center |
| Plugs | Swap | Close old holes |
Some older models may require relocating the magnetic door open sensor. It is usually located near the top hinge or at the end of the door. If you notice wiring going to the door, carefully disconnect the connector before removing the leaf and connect it on the new side, threading the cable through the provided channels.
Installing the door on the new side and adjusting
After preparing all the elements, you can begin installation. Install the lower support sleeve or pin in its new location. Place the door leaf on this pin, having first asked an assistant to hold the door in a vertical position. Make sure that the lower door bushing is seated correctly in the support groove.
Now install the upper hinge in its new location. Align the holes on the hinge with the holes in the refrigerator body. Screw in the bolts, but do not tighten them all the way yet. This will allow you to pre-adjust the door position. The door should open freely, without jamming, and close tightly around the entire perimeter.
Use a level for final fixation. Place it on the end of an open door or on the top panel of the refrigerator. By adjusting the position of the top hinge and the height of the support legs of the refrigerator itself, achieve a strictly vertical position. After this, finally tighten all the bolts of the upper hinge.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the door does not close tightly or, conversely, too tightly, check the position of the opening limiter and the uniform fit of the sealing rubber.
Tightness check and typical errors
The final stage is checking the quality of the work performed. Visually inspect the perimeter of the seal. There should be no creases, twisted areas or obvious gaps. To check the tightness, you can use a simple test with a sheet of paper: clamp the sheet with the door in different places around the perimeter. If the sheet is pulled out with force, the tightness is normal. If the paper falls out freely, adjustment is required.
One of the common mistakes is insufficient tightening of the top hinge bolts, which over time leads to sagging of the door. Another common problem is forgotten plugs. If you do not close the old holes for the handle or hinges, moisture and dust will get in there, which will ruin the appearance of the equipment.
Also, users often forget to check the operation of the internal lighting and temperature sensor after reconnecting the wires (if the model required it). Make sure that when you close the door, the light goes out and the compressor operates normally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before rearranging the doors?
There is no special need to defrost the unit, unless you plan to wash the inside surface. However, it is better to remove products from the door shelves to lighten the structure and prevent them from falling when the door is tilted.
Is it possible to perform this procedure alone?
Technically possible if the model is small-sized and light. However, for two-chamber models Ariston it is strongly recommended to involve a second person to insure the door leaf in order to avoid injuries and damage to the floor or the door itself.
What to do if, after rearranging, a gap has formed between the door and the body?
Most likely, the upper hinge bolts are not fully tightened or incorrectly bottom pin installed. Try loosening the top hinge, pressing the door tightly against the body and tightening the bolts again. Also check whether the refrigerator itself is level on the floor.
Will the warranty still be valid after rearranging it yourself?
According to the rules of most service centers, a design change that does not result in breakdowns will not void the warranty. However, if you strip threads or break glass in the process, this will be considered a warranty issue. Be extremely careful.